When I launched Arthur A. Levine Books in 1997, the first book we published was Norma Fox Mazerís outstanding novel When She Was Good. In terms of writing quality, this set a very high standard for our novelists, but Iím proud of the group that Iíve gathered together, with the help of my exceptionally talented Senior Editor Cheryl Klein, and Assistant Editor Emily Clement. They include literary stars like Carolyn Coman, Francisco Stork, Lisa Yee, Jonah Winter, Jaclyn Moriarty, and of course, J. K. Rowling, as well as fabulous newcomers like Erin Bow, Trent Reedy, and Olugbemisola Rhuday Perkovich.

I havenít abandoned my picture book roots, though! About fifty percent of the books we do are fully illustrated, and weíre proud to be working with a group that includes the incomparable Shaun Tan, well-known masters such as Richard Egielski, David Small, Komako Sakai, and Axel Scheffler, and talented illustrators at the start of their careers such as Freya Blackwood, Shino Arihara, and more.

As for me as a writer? Well, my first book in 15 years is due out from Scholastic Press on April 1, 2011: Monday is One Day, illustrated by Julian Hector; itís a love song for kids with working parents, in families of all shapes and sizes.

I just got the exciting news that Sarah Brannen is illustrating my picture book Tooth Trooth to be published in a few years, also by Scholastic Press. And I struggle to continue to write enough that I never become a frustrated writer.

So that's just a little bit of background on me. There's much more to learn about the imprint and our books on the rest of this site. Please feel free to kick back and take a tour.